A far-right website known for publishing anti-science conspiracy theories published an article that falsely claims that the effectiveness of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in clinical trials was “massively overstated.” Similarly, a social media post with over 11,000 engagements says that the Pfizer vaccine has “horrifically poor” efficacy in young children.
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Both posts base their claims on misinterpreted Pfizer data. The claim that the vaccine’s efficacy is lower than previously reported resulted from including suspected COVID-19 cases rather than only confirmed cases in the efficacy data. Pfizer data show low efficacy against infection in young children after the first two doses and higher efficacy after the third dose. For this reason, the Pfizer vaccine will be administered as a three-dose series in children under age five. Continuing to explain that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death is recommended. Fact Checking Source(s):
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